Devastating fire engulfs Satkoshia forest

Angul,Mar 30 (UNI)A devastating forest fire at five forest ranges of Satkosia wild life sanctuary near here during the last few days has affecting flora and fauna very badly.

Official sources said the worst hit ranges in Satkosia division are Purunakote,Tikarapra,Pampasar,Raigoda and Zillinda where fire is spreading menacingly to more and more areas amid little action by the forest department authorities to curb the fire.

There has been a serious impact on the bio-diversity as the Satkosia has been declared as the second tiger Reserve of the state recently.

Environmentalists have expressed concern over the spread of fire in the summer in Satkosia and other parts of the forest in the district. They also questioned the available fire fighting mechanisms to control the fire.

Report reaching here also said a big forest fire at Madhapur range under Athmallik division and Purunagarh range under Angul division.

When contacted divisional forest officer S S Mishra said he was aware of the fire adding that steps a were taken to control it.